The Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

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There are a number of reasons not to choose over-ear headphones at the gym — they’re generally not waterproof, they’re more liable to getting knocked off your head, and they’re less breathable than in-ear or open-ear earbuds. 

But for some, they offer greater comfort, plus an unmistakable “Please don’t talk to me while I’m working out” attitude. That’s why we took some of our favorite over-ear headphones to the gym, testing them based on factors that matter when working out. 

How We Picked the Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

The criteria for good workout headphones are different from those for office or travel headphones. Whereas with the latter, sound quality, comfort, and design might come first, workout headphones need to be secure yet lightweight, with enough clamping force to not slip off.

Other helpful features for workout headphones include tactile buttons that you can operate with sweaty hands. Removable ear cushions are a big plus — they’ll be easier to clean and replace when the time eventually comes. It’s also a good idea to wipe the ear pads down after use and not put them in their case right away; giving the headphones time to air-dry will make them last longer. 

We tested all of these picks ourselves, subjecting them to day-to-day use and trying them out in workout-specific settings, including on a treadmill, a rowing machine, and while lifting weights, to see how they stack up.

Since wearing over-ear headphones during workouts is more likely to wear them down, we looked for more affordable options; most of our picks are under $300. And of course, sound quality and noise-canceling still count. It’s hard to get hyped up on your favorite workout tracks when the bass sounds muddy or the treble is tinny.

The Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

From Bose to Beats, there are the best over-ear headphones for working out, tested.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$249.00 $349.00 29% off

Quick Summary: With a comfortable fit for all-day wear, intuitive tactile buttons, and replaceable ear pads, Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are among the best over-ear options for workouts. Stated Battery Life: Up to 24 hours Waterproof rating: None Pros: Lightweight and comfortable, tactile controls, great ANC, and solid audio quality Cons: No wear detection (won’t auto-pause when you take them off), other options fit more securely

Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are a more affordable alternative to the flagship QuietComfort Ultra model. In some ways, they’re a better option for the gym and travel, thanks to their lightweight build and more intuitive tactile controls. 

These headphones feature two volume buttons and a multifunction playback button on the right earcup, as well as an ANC mode button on the left, making it easy to switch settings with just a single press. The power and pairing button is a slider button on the right earcup. The tactile buttons help prevent miscues, a common issue with haptic touch sensors.

Crucially, these are among the most comfortable headphones on the market. The clamping force is light (even for someone with a large head), so they may not stay put during activities like sit-ups. But for the treadmill, weights, or a rowing machine, they should be comfortable and secure for most. 

In addition to the comfortable fit, the ear pads are easily replaceable — they pop out without needing any special tools, and you can find replacements from Bose or third-party brands like Wicked Cushions. That’s a significant benefit if you’re using these at the gym, since the pads will wear out more quickly than during daily wear.

Related: Bose QuietComfort vs. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: We Put Both to the Test

Beats Studio Pro 

$179.00 $249.95 28% off

Quick Summary: Beats over-ear headphones live up to the brand’s sporty reputation, thanks to the secure fit and slim profile that stays put during gym sessions. The tactile controls are a bonus, as is the compact, toiletry-kit-inspired carrying case. Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours Waterproof rating: None Pros: Long battery life; solid noise-canceling performance; snug and secure fit for workouts; simple tactile controls Cons: No wear detection; not as comfortable for all-day wear; cushions are not easily replaceable; can creak while running

Beats has long had a reputation as Apple’s sportier sibling, and the Studio Pro was one of the first pairs I reached for when testing workout headphones. Like our top pick from Bose, the Beats Studio Pro have tactile controls, with recessed volume and playback controls on the outer earcup. That gives gym-goers the advantage of preventing accidental touches, while still letting you control your music or podcasts with ease.

Unlike Bose’s headphones, these have significant clamping force. I find them somewhat uncomfortable for all-day wear, but they’re great for short stretches. The secure fit means they’re much less likely to slip off at the gym, regardless of what workout you’re doing. 

These headphones also have solid active noise-canceling performance, so they should be able to cut out chatter at the busy gym or the too-loud TV. Additionally, you can use them with a wired 3.5mm connection or a USB-C connection. The former comes in handy at the gym for any equipment with a built-in audio component. 

At their full $350 price, these are arguably too expensive, but they’re easily found on sale for roughly half the price from big box retailers and Amazon. 

Related: Beats Studio Pro vs. Apple AirPods Max: We Put Apple’s Flagship Headphones to the Test

Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active

$209.99

Quick Summary: Specifically designed for workouts, Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones feature breathable ear pads, easy-to-use buttons, and a slider to boost bass. Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours Waterproof rating: Sweat and water-resistant (No IP rating listed) Pros: Workout-friendly features; breathable cushions; relatively lightweight Cons: Somewhat pricey; lacks a carrying case; over-emphasis of bass for everyday use

Skullcandy’s Crusher 540 Active headphones are, as the name suggests, specifically targeted for workouts. And while Skullcandy isn’t known as a serious audiophile brand, they’ve stepped up their game in sound quality, including partnering with Bose for some of their earbuds. 

The 540 Active headphones have several workout-forward features. The ear pads are a mesh-like fabric, rather than pleather or foam, making them more breathable for sweaty ears. You can also remove the ear pads to clean them, although they are somewhat difficult to put back, and Skullcandy doesn’t sell replacements. 

The headphones have a primarily plastic build, making them lightweight, and the tactile controls are easier to use and less prone to accidental touches than swipe or tap controls. The quirkiest feature (and one found on our other pick from Nothing), is a slider to adjust the bass as you’re working out. The “Crusher” name is no joke, either: push the slider up on a bass-heavy song at your own peril. 

The headphones don’t have a proper carrying case, but a pouch is included. Budget-friendly headphones often don’t include hard cases, but at $210, it feels like a more significant omission. 

CMF Headphones 

$99.00

Quick Summary: The quirky design won’t be for everyone, but these light, affordable headphones feature replaceable cushions and handy button controls. Stated Battery Life: Up to 100 hours Waterproof rating: IPX2 Pros: Replaceable ear cups; statement-making design; long battery life Cons: Bulky; style won’t suit all tastes; earcups rotate but don’t fold

CMF is a sub-brand of buzzy tech and audio brand Nothing, and like the main line, CMF headphones aren’t designed to blend in. The bulky, circular design is playful and eye-catching, although it likely won’t be for everyone. 

At $99, they’re a great value, particularly for anyone unwilling to shell out hundreds for headphones that will get abused at the gym. You can easily swap out the earcups, and Nothing sells multiple colors to easily mix and match for an added playful touch. 

The headphones also have intuitive controls, with a volume roller to make adjustments. The ANC performance isn’t showstopping, but it’s dependable enough for the average gym session. 

Similar to Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones, CMF’s Headphone Pro over-ears feature a slider control that amplifies the bass, making it easy to make quick EQ adjustments without pulling out your phone.

At this price, hard traveling cases are usually not included, and the same goes here. You just get a soft pouch, which offers minimal protection but should be sufficient for toting the headphones to and from the gym.

Related: CMF By Nothing’s First Over-Ear Headphones Are as Eye-Catching as They Are Affordable

Sony WH-1000XM6

$459.99

Quick Summary: With superb sound and noise-canceling, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones are a great everyday option, but the steep price makes them hard to enthusiastically recommend for gym use. Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours Waterproof rating: None Pros: Great sound and ANC, comfortable fit Cons: Bulky; touch controls can take getting used to

There are plenty of reasons why Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones might not be your top pick for the gym. For starters, at over $400, these are a seriously steep pair of headphones. Plus, unlike our other picks, these feature touch controls, which can be easier to accidentally activate than buttons.

But if you’re the type of person for whom not even a workout can get in the way of great audio, these headphones deliver. They also feature superb noise-canceling, rivaled only in my testing by Apple and Bose. The earcups are made from a synthetic faux-leather material that’s fairly lightweight, and the headphones feel secure while wearing them on a stationary bike or treadmill.  

The headphones rotate and fold in, and they come with a handy storage case that features a magnetic clasp that’s secure but easy to access. The XM6 headphones are also packed with features, which are widely customizable in the app. If you’re looking for a premium pair of headphones and aren’t afraid to run them through the gauntlet at the gym, these are a worthwhile option.

Related: The WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Headphones Are Yet Another Hit From Sony